Abstract
Summary
Adenohypophyses of adrenalectomized male rats were analyzed for RNA and DNA at various post-operative intervals. The ratio of RNA/DNA at 2 days after adrenalectomy was more than twice that observed in control animals. Rats sacrificed at 3, 5, and 7 days post-adrenalectomy revealed nucleic acid ratios comparable to those of controls. The increased RNA level in the pituitary 2 days after adrenalectomy correlates well with the time when glandular ACTH content is rapidly increasing. The increased elaboration of protein hormone ACTH induced by removal of adrenals can be correlated with alterations in nucleic acid levels reflecting increased protein synthesis.
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